Manchester United Transfer News: 4 Players Linked In Latest Rumors

Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado is set to be in high demand this summer.
Reuters

Manchester United's scouts continued to rack up their air miles over the weekend, with a representative in the stands to watch Juan Cuadrado in action during Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over Udinese, according to local reports.

The Colombia international scored the opening goal at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and Florence daily La Nazione claims that United scouts were in attendance to get an up-close look. Britain’s Daily Mail has also picked up on the story and suggest that Manchester United boss David Moyes intends to use Cuadrado as an attacking right-back. While he has played several games in a wing-back role this season, it is highly unlikely that he will be sought as a defender. The right-footer, who was deployed behind a lone striker, to the left, on Sunday, has been at his best in an attacking role and has played all along the line behind the forwards.

Given the struggles of Manchester United’s wide men this season, a move for the tricky and pacy Cuadrado would certainly make sense. However, there will be a fair amount of complications to any deal. First and foremost, the 25-year-old is co-owned by Udinese, with Fiorentina believed to want to buy out their rival’s share. According to Italian transfer specialist Gianluca di Marzio, Udinese value their share of the player at €15 million (12.4m). United could also face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, both of whom have been credited with an interest.

Elsewhere, Manchester United have been linked to Sevilla’s defensive pair Alberto Moreno and Federico Fazio. United’s defense is set to be overhauled this summer with Nemanja Vidic’s exit already announced and Rio Ferdinand expected to follow. Fazio is one of the center-backs being targeted to fill the gap, reports Talksport. The 27-year-old is not the only Argentine defender thought to be on United’s radar, with Benfica’s Ezequiel Garay having been linked with a move to Old Trafford for the past year. Talksport claims that Arsenal, Tottenham and Fiorentina are also interested in Fazio.

There also remains a strong possibility that veteran left-back Patrice Evra will be leaving Old Trafford this summer. The 32-year-old has still yet to extend his contract and has been linked with Internazionale, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. United are thought to be one of the clubs prepared to spend big to land Southampton’s highly rated 18-year-old Like Shaw, but the Daily Star now reports that Moreno is being targeted as a back-up plan for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and United. Moreno, 21, made his debut for Spain in a World Cup qualifier against Georgia last October.

Shaw is not the only Southampton player being linked with a move to Old Trafford. The Daily Mirror has claimed that Moyes has informed scouts to keep a check on defensive-minded midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. The French 24-year-old has played a key role in Southampton’s fine season and has also been linked with Arsenal in the past. According to the Mirror, Schneiderlin would cost at least £15 million.